Doghouse Decides Winky Wright vs Ike Quartey
 Compiled by Benny Henderson Jr - A.K.A "Big Dog" (Dec 2, 2006) Photo © German Villasenor
Veterans collide in a 160-pound clash tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL and it is brought to you live on HBO Boxing 9:45 PM ET/6:45 PM PT. The defensive tactician Winky Wright 50-3-1 (25) rolls against the hard-hitting Ike Quartey 37-3-1 (31) in a schedule ten round middleweight clash.
The road warrior Wright has tallied up an impressive resume battling against the elite and is coming off a draw against the undefeated Jermain Taylor; ‘Bazooka’ is a former WBA welterweight champ who has heavy hands and is ring savvy enough to make this a ‘tune up’ a competitive match-up. See what the gang at the Doghouse had to say about this match-up.
Coyote Duran: If this fight is what Winky Wright would consider a tune-up, well, then it’s one hell of a tune-up. Sure, Quartey officially lost to Vernon Forrest in his last fight but is still a dangerous proposition for the former World Junior
Middleweight Champion. With a jab that’s still very potent combined with power that’s still very respectable, Quartey will give Wright a much tougher fight than Sam Soliman did two fights ago because Quartey is, simply, the better technician. But can ‘Bazooka’s’ power make the transition to middleweight with Quartey? Possibly, but in what I deem a real fan’s fight, I’ll take Winky Wright in, get this, a very, very close majority decision in what will net Wright even more criticism for not pulling the trigger in later rounds when he has an advantage. What will get him the scant, yet entertaining, win will be the usual: An airtight defense and just plain better boxing ability.
Dan Horgan: Wright by unanimous decision.
Nate Edwards: I really feel this match up is going to be a very decent scrap. Both guys probably have two of the best jabs in the business and both are veterans who know this game inside and out. Quartey has been in there with guys like DLH and Vargas in their primes and Winky has fought some of the best out there in Taylor and Mosely. I really feel what this is going to come down to is Winky just being the bigger man and being a superior defensive fighter. Quartey isn't really what I'd call a hard target and I see Winky finding his range with that jab and left hand. Quartey will have his moments and will definitely make it a fight but overall in the end I don't see this fight going his way. This will go the distance and Winky will outpoint him in my opinion by at least 8 rounds to 4. Winky by UD
Matthew DeGonzaque: Quartey is a very good fighter and posses a very good jab and is usually a tough fight for anyone, just ask Oscar De La Hoya. But I think Quartey bit off more than he could chew by stepping up to Middleweight to fight Winky Wright, who is fairly large at the weight. Expect a tactical war, with Winky using his superior boxing skills to win a wide UD.
Vikram Birring: Wright is a skilled southpaw with impenetrable defense. Quartey is a very good fighter, but Wright is in his prime right now and may be the only other fighter with a jab as good as Ike's. Two veteran fighters in a big fight, but Winky should win this one. Hopefully he gets a rematch with Jermain Taylor early next year as a result. Winky Wright wins via unanimous decision.
Jeremy Valdez: This will be a battle of two of the best jabs of the last decade. Quartey's may have a little more power, at least at his more natural weight of 147-154, but Wright's is more accurate and quicker. I think it will be a better fight than expected with Quartey able to penetrate Winky's defense a little bit, but not enough as Winky will frustrate him just enough to take over the fight in the last four rounds to win a fairly close but safe decision. Wright UD12
Ian Keogh: Wright by decision. Winky's got more to lose and will put forth his best against Quartey whose stepping up in weight. I expect Quartey to come ready to fight and I feel he can give Wright a little trouble as long as he doesn't just stand right in front of Wright. Still, Wright is the better boxer and it'll show after 12 rounds. Wright 117-111 or thereabouts.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Wright isn’t wrong! Ronald wins this one with ease. (UD)
Gabriel Montoya: Call it a gut feeling but I have a feeling that Quartey might be ripe for a stoppage. I realize Wright is not the most heavy-handed guy but Quartey is fighting a bit above where he should be and perhaps this fight was aimed to give Winky a nice highlight reel over a big name. This is my shocker pick: Winky by mid to late stoppage.
Anthony Cocks: Wright is bigger, younger and closer to his prime than the comebacking Quartey. The St. Pete native should win a clear cut decision in a fight that has its moments.
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